The world is rapidly changing around us thanks to technology. People have powerful tools at their fingertips that allow them to complete complex tasks from remote locations.
Tasks such as working, consuming entertainment, engaging with businesses, donating, volunteering, and even spreading messages are all possible from the computers and devices people use at home.
The most successful organizations caught on to this changing mindset early. They leveraged technology to offer consumers modern ways to buy goods and services or engage with marketing campaigns. Nonprofits are also adjusting to this new world by embracing technology.
If your nonprofit is considering adapting to the digital era, here are some steps it can take:
Utilize CRM Technology
Nonprofits that still use spreadsheets are doing themselves a disservice. Spreadsheets are outdated, inefficient, and a security risk.
Instead of using outdated tools, nonprofits should leverage modern software like CRM technology.
CRM technology, short for constituent relationship management technology, helps nonprofits organize and foster relationships with donors, clients, volunteers, and other constituents without relying on time-consuming tools like spreadsheets.
CRM gives nonprofits a full view of all their constituents, helping them manage such relationships better.
In addition to helping nonprofits deliver personalized client care — CRM offers the following benefits:
- Tracking donors
- Improving communications
- Managing volunteer schedules
- Coordinating fundraising campaigns
- And more
2. Enhance Cybersecurity Measures
Hackers are ruthlessly targeting nonprofits every year in the digital age. While some nonprofits recover, others don’t have the resources to roll back the detrimental changes.
The damage to a nonprofit’s reputation can also be severe. Some face legal action after their data is stolen.
For starters, nonprofits should use CRM with the following security features:
- Hosted on encrypted servers
- HIPAA & PIPEDA compliant
- PA-DSS compliant
- Secure data access and management
In addition, nonprofit organizations must be aware of the attacks that cybercriminals use against them:
- Ransomware hijacks nonprofit data for an extortion fee
- Spyware steals sensitive information for blackmail, identity theft, and financial crimes
- Trojans steal passwords, banking data, and other confidential data
- Keyloggers log keystrokes, including usernames and passwords
- Phishing attacks trick users into sharing confidential information or installing malware.
Nonprofits should invest in endpoint security that protects all endpoints to secure themselves from escalating cyber attacks.
Intelligent anti-malware software with anti-ransomware technology is also a useful investment. Finally, nonprofits must increase staff training so that phishing, smishing, vishing, pretexting, and other social engineering attacks can be stopped.
3. Develop an App
A modern app is an excellent tool for connecting with customers, augmenting a brand, and raising donations. Nonprofits can either develop native apps or hybrid apps.
Native apps are usually more powerful because they take advantage of a mobile device’s resources, though they’re also more expensive.
Hybrid apps are essentially websites in native app shells. Hybrid apps are a cost-effective way for nonprofits to get into the mobile app world.
Some nonprofits also invest in chatbot technology. Chatbots are talking mechanisms that can simulate human speech. Nonprofits can use chatbots to answer donor or volunteer questions.
Nonprofits that sell products to generate funds can also use intelligent chatbots for marketing their goods more effectively.
4. Modernize the Website
Too many nonprofits have outdated-looking websites that look like they were developed in the era of Windows 95.
No one says that nonprofit websites should look cutting-edge. However, they should look modern, clean, and intuitive to collect online donations more effectively.
A nonprofit website should also embrace the organization’s brand. It should feature a strategically designed donation page.
A fundraising thermometer can help nonprofits raise revenue from digital marketing campaigns.
5. Social Media Marketing
Social media is an undercapitalized tool for many nonprofits. This is a shame because most young potential donors, staff, and volunteers use social media to consume knowledge, share views, and donate.
Social media marketing tools on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are a cost-effective way for nonprofits to connect with billions of people.
Moreover, social media marketing tools allow nonprofits to target specific audiences. For example, a pet shelter can target pet owners with online ads, or people empathetic to the plight of animals.
Trends also work effectively on social media for nonprofits. For example, The ALS Association skyrocketed its profile with the viral ALS Ice Bucket challenge. Social media is also a cost-effective way to run campaigns.
The consumer psyche is changing rapidly. Nonprofits must leverage digital tools to connect with modern users. With the right strategies, they can increase their donor base, market reach, and revenue streams.